2012

Upgrade your tongue, and indulge in a taste for other cultures

2012 September, 26

To mark the occasion of the European Day of Languages today, Rosetta Stone, a leading provider of technology-based language-learning solutions, uncovers major drivers for adult language learning today, citing culture – particularly as millions return from overseas summer holidays - as a key factor.

The end-of-summer return of millions of holidaymakers from overseas travel marks a renewed ambition in many to ‘upgrade their tongue' and improve linguistic skills. Sylke Riester, Managing Director Europe at Rosetta Stone says: "It is often on a holiday abroad when our customers resolve to learn the language of their destination on their return, so that they can get even more out of their future travels."

A survey conducted by Rosetta Stone in January 2012 found that 65% of people learned a new language specifically to help them when travelling abroad, with further motivations of wanting to be able to understand foreign media (30%) and a desire to not feel left out of conversations in a foreign language (34%).

The motivation for learning languages of our holiday destinations, past or aspired to, goes deeper than simply being able to get by day-to-day. "Travelling equipped with a second language is about more than simply using transactional phrases in shops and restaurants," explains Sylke Riester "Unlocking language means opening the door to the whole culture, from food and drink, to popular customs, to history. All of these aspects take on a far greater meaning with the benefit of the local language."

Rosetta Stone provides e-learning to individuals, schools, universities and public and private organisations in over 20 languages.

Other major drivers for language learning which Rosetta Stone has identified are: Career prospects; relationships and love; and ‘heritage learning', based on languages spoken through generations.

Rosetta Stone is changing the way the world learns languages providing interactive solutions that unlock the natural language-learning ability in everyone. Available in more than 20 languages, Rosetta Stone is used by schools, organisations and millions of individuals in over 150 countries throughout the world. The company was founded in 1992 on the core beliefs that learning a language should be natural and instinctive and that interactive technology can replicate and activate the immersion method powerfully for learners of any age. With the new version TOTALe learners practise speaking in live sessions tutored by native speakers in an interactive, online environment, play in an exclusive online community dedicated to language learning and reinforce language skills with an innovative mobile application built for iPhone®, iPad® and Android phones.